Israeli-American Rabbi Yossi Mizrachi made insulting remarks about Hinduism and the people of India in a speech. He mocked Hindu reverence for cows, made disparaging claims involving Indian doctors, and concluded by saying that he thanked God for not making him like Indians.
These were not simply comments about religious beliefs. They portrayed an entire community through insulting stereotypes and raised serious questions about respect for India’s cultural and religious identity.
Now, the question is about India’s diplomacy.
On February 25, 2026, while addressing the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to the Indian-origin Jewish community and stated:
“They hold firmly that Israel is their fatherland and India their motherland. We are proud of them.”
His remarks referred specifically to Indian-origin Jews living in Israel. They also reflected the close relationship between India and Israel, which has developed into a strategic partnership.
But this raises an important question.
When India’s Prime Minister speaks in the Israeli Parliament about the close relationship between the two countries and expresses respect for the Israeli community, why is there no equally clear public response from India’s top leadership when Indians and their religious traditions are insulted?
Did Benjamin Netanyahu issue any public statement regarding this particular incident? Did Prime Minister Modi publicly address the insult? As of November 1, 2026, no verified public statement from either leader on this specific incident has been identified.
It is true that Israeli Consul General Yaniv Revach condemned the rabbi’s remarks and apologised to Indians and Hindus. That response should not be ignored. However, the question remains: should an issue involving the dignity of millions of Indians remain limited to a consular-level response despite the close strategic relationship between the two countries?
India has every right to maintain friendly relations with Israel. But it should never have to compromise the dignity of its people, religion or cultural traditions to maintain those relations.
Defence deals, intelligence cooperation, technology and trade are important. But shouldn’t the dignity of India’s citizens stand above all commercial and strategic interests?
If a country wants a partnership with India, that partnership must be built on mutual respect. Friendship cannot be a one-sided arrangement.
We do not hold an entire Israeli or Jewish community responsible for the words of one individual. However, it is entirely legitimate to ask the government and leadership of a close strategic partner to clarify their position when the people and religious traditions of India are insulted.
India’s dignity must never become negotiable for diplomatic or strategic interests.
Desh pehle. Uske log pehle. Unki sanskriti aur swabhiman pehle. Deals baad mein.
Sources & References
- India Today – Rabbi Yossi Mizrachi’s remarks about Hindus
- News9 – Palestinian Ambassador Abdullah Abu Shawesh’s response
- Live Hindustan – Israeli Consul General’s apology
- Prime Minister of India – Narendra Modi’s official Knesset speech, February 25, 2026
- The Knesset – Official speech transcript (PDF)
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Sabse sach, sabse pahle.
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